The 2025 Acapulco Tennis Open has been beset by high-profile withdrawals, drastically altering the tournament's competitive lineup. Major players Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul, and Holger Rune have all exited the tournament due to illness, much to the dismay of fans and organizers alike.
Initially, Tommy Paul, the 10th seed, shocked spectators by announcing he would not compete against his fellow American, Marcos Giron, after previously triumphing over Canada's Gabriel Diallo. Paul's sudden withdrawal was attributed to stomach discomfort, which he disclosed just minutes before the match was scheduled to begin.
Subsequently, Casper Ruud, who was also considered one of the favorites, announced his withdrawal from the event shortly before he was set to face Mexico's own Rodrigo Pacheco. Although the reasons for Ruud's exit remain unclear, it follows suit with the epidemic of stomach ailments affecting several competitors.
Adding to the chaos, Danish star Holger Rune had to forfeit his match against Brandon Nakashima after barely starting due to stomach problems. Rune expressed his frustration on social media, confirming he suffered from food poisoning. “I’m furious and very sad at the same time. I had food poisoning and couldn’t play today. One of my favorite places is Mexico, and I love this tournament. It did not end as I wanted at all,” Rune stated.
With these withdrawals, Rodrigo Pacheco has advanced to the quarterfinals without having to compete against Ruud. The impact of illness on player availability was significant, as tournament organizers had initially anticipated strong performances from these top-seeded players.
The wave of withdrawals from the tournament was not limited to these three. Alexander Zverev, originally seeded second, lost to Learner Tien during the second round, marking yet another upset. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz, seeded fourth, had earlier announced he would not participate due to abdominal injury, and Lorenzo Musetti, the seventh seed, was also sidelined with muscle issues.
This string of health-related exits raises questions about what exactly has occurred among the players—especially with multiple withdrawals coming around the same timeframe.
David Goffin, another participant, commented on the situation, noting, “Even if they were feeling unwell, each opponent is difficult to beat. I’m not considering these withdrawals as advantageous for me; I’m just focusing on my own game.” Goffin managed to power through to the next round, defeating Ben Shelton, who was also part of the unseeded upset brigade.
Notably, the overall atmosphere of the tournament, which initially promised excitement with large crowds filling the GNP Stadium, shifted dramatically as one player after another withdrew, leaving vacancy not only on the court but also in the hearts of eager fans.
The alarming rate of sickness among competitors has prompted speculation, yet no official communication from the tournament organizers has outlined the cause or the measures taken to address player wellness.
“I’m really sorry to have to withdraw tonight,” Ruud expressed, emphasizing his desire to recover swiftly. “I’m hopeful to come back stronger next year.” Such sentiments were similarly echoed by Rune, who cherished his experiences at the tournament, highlighting its significance to him as both a player and as someone who enjoys visiting Mexico.
The withdrawals have drawn scrutiny and concerns over the health standards maintained during the event, particularly as the conditions remain favorable for tennis—the weather is cooperative, and the tournament's facilities are top-notch.
Looking forward, the absence of these star players marks not only significant changes to the immediate tournament structure but also creates opportunities for lesser-known talents, like Pacheco and Giron, to shine on this prestigious platform.
With additional players' health potentially at stake and tournaments scheduled back-to-back throughout the season, it remains imperative for organizers to closely monitor and support athletes’ health during such competitive events.
The Acapulco Tennis Open continues, albeit with unexpected twists, as smaller players now have a chance at what has traditionally been dominated by the top seeds.